God Speaks

Intro: Most everyone on this planet has at one time or another has asked a question similar to this, “Why doesn’t God speak to me.” The fact is, God is speaking more than we are listening.

Ways God Speaks:

1. Circumstantial

a. Literally, the circumstances dictate the answer

i. Acts 16:7

Jesus closed the door for Paul to Bithynia

ii. Gen. 24: 12-27

Abraham’s servant looking for a bride for Isaac

2. Interpersonal

a. Counsel of friends and family

i. Ex. 18:17-24

Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, counseled Moses in his leadership approach and guided him to delegate

b. Counsel of complete strangers

i. Acts 8: 26-38

Ethiopian heard the gospel through Phillip

3. Supernatural

a. Gifts of spirit

1. Tongues & interpretation, word of wisdom, prophecy, etc

Acts 21:11

2. Prophet Agabus gave Paul direction

Acts 21:11

2. God speaks through pastors, teachers, etc

Ephesians 4: 11-13

b. Dreams & visions

1. Peter vision of Cornelius & the gentiles

Acts 10: 9-23

1. Paul’s Macedonian vision

Acts 10: 9-23

c. Still small voice

i. 1 Kings 19:11-13

1. Elijah in the rock

a. Some refer to this as conscience

d. Other Means

i. Num. 22:21-30

1. Baalam’s donkey stood still, then talked

2. Church signs & billboards, etc

e. Audibly

i. 1 Sam. 3:1-14; Gen 21:17;

1. Samuel alone heard God’s voice, Hagar,

4. Directly through the Word of God (Bible)

a. Sermons, teachings, etc

b. Daily devotions

c. Individual Bible reading

d. Scripture memory

***Any manner in which God speaks must line up with His written, revealed Word. Any voice, advice, or direction that tells you something that is in contradiction to God’s Word is not from God. Period!